Devonte Allen Opens Up About His Background, Journey, Motivation

Devonte Allen awaits his turn in a drill during one of the first basketball practices of the 2017-2018 season. (Photo by Carson Caulfield)

(COVINGTON, La.) As the St. Paul’s basketball team eyes down the upcoming start to their 2017-2018 season, senior Devonte Allen knows that this season will be his last wearing the blue and gold. The road leading up to his senior season has been filled with hardships and triumphs that molded him into a young man cherished by his peers and coaches.

Devonte Allen (photo source: Conifer 2017)

Devonte began his tenure at SPS as a freshman, so needless to say, all eyes were locked on the 6’5″, spiky-haired newcomer on the first day of the school in August of 2014. He was no stranger to being a stranger. He moved to Louisiana from Hensley, Arkansas, in third grade with his mother and two sisters, Kamille (11) and Lauren (8), and had to quickly adapt to a new life.

“It’s always been a struggle,” Devonte said describing his journey, “but we’ve always made it through.”

Devonte attended both Magnolia Trace Elementary and Mandeville Middle School, and then onto Monteleone Junior High for seventh and eighth grade. He grew into an extremely talented athlete during his time at Monteleone, playing both basketball and football. His Monteleone basketball squad took home two district titles in the two seasons that Devonte played there. He was all set to attend Lakeshore High School after his year at Monteleone, but fate had something else in store.

Brett Edwards, the father of another SPS class of 2018 basketball player, Parker Edwards, noticed Devonte in a summer league game playing for Lakeshore. Edwards introduced him to former SPS head coach Phil Williams, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I definitely think that I made the right decision to come to St. Paul’s,” said Devonte. “I feel like my life has been 100% better. I know that if I wasn’t here, my grades and the education I’ve received would be nowhere near what I have now. Same thing goes for basketball.”

Devonte’s skills on the court are only part of his venerated reputation at SPS. His personality, character, and humility are noticed by many of his coaches and peers.

“Over his four years at SPS, (Devonte) has really turned into a leader,” said Head Coach Stephen Dale. “He’s just a solid person that people have come to rely on. He’s a great friend with a magnetic personality that people are drawn to. And that’s why he was named a captain by his teammates. He’s as dependable as a person as there is.”

“I think people see me as humble because of what my grandpa taught me,” added Devonte. “He taught me to have respect, and to be humble at all times, because you never know who’s watching.”

When asked about his motivation to succeed on and off the court, his answer reflected not only his character, but also the value he places on family.

“My motivation really comes from my sisters because they look up to me the most. People always say their mom, but my sisters really look up to me, and I just want to take care of them,” Devonte said.

Anyone who knows Devonte is probably aware of the confusion surrounding his last name. Devonte’s birth surname is Allen, and after the move from Arkansas to Louisiana, he decided to change his name to Devonte Person-Allen, adding his step-dad’s last name to his own. However, he prefers the name Devonte Allen for school and basketball announcements.

Devonte hopes to play in college after his senior year at SPS. Currently, he is being actively recruited by Centenary College and has had some interest from Southeastern University. He is hoping to gain the interest of even better programs during his final season with SPS.

“You’re going to see his offensive role expand this year,” said Coach Dale. “He’s done a really good job getting in shape. He’s certainly gotten stronger and faster. He’s one of our key guys that we play through offensively.”

The Wolves’ first game, and Devonte’s last season opener, is set Tuesday, Nov 14, across the lake against the Edna Karr Cougars. This game will mark the beginning of the Wolves’ campaign for a deep playoff run and a third straight district title.

Devonte looks out upon his teammates during a pre-season practice. (Photo by Carson Caulfield)

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About Carson Caulfield

Carson is the Sports Editor and a sports writer for The Paper Wolf. He plays baseball for St. Paul's and has been actively involved in Student Council and The Paper Wolf since 2013. His preferred choice of meat on an Izzo's Burrito is a mixture of ground beef and white chicken. Email Carson at carson.caulfield.2018@stpauls.com.
View all posts by Carson Caulfield →

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[…] surpassed 2,000 career points at St. Paul’s this year in a game vs. Fontainebleau. Senior Devonte Allen was 1st Team All-District as well as a member of the All-Metro Team. Allen surpassed 1,000 career […]